Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Arta

About Domestic Violence Law in Arta, Greece

Domestic violence in Arta is addressed under Greek national law, which applies uniformly across the country. Greek law recognizes domestic violence as a serious criminal and civil matter that can include physical harm, threats, psychological or emotional abuse, sexual violence including marital rape, stalking and harassment, and economic control. The law protects spouses and former spouses, partners who live together or have lived together, children, relatives, and other family members in a domestic unit. Police, prosecutors, courts, hospitals, and social services in Arta work within this legal framework to provide emergency help, protection, medical care, and access to shelters and counseling.

Police take reports at any time, and in urgent cases you can call 100 or 112. The national SOS line 15900 provides 24-7 counseling and can coordinate support services, including referrals to shelters and counseling centers that serve the Epirus region. Cases can be prosecuted by the state even if a victim later changes their mind, and courts can issue protective orders to keep an alleged abuser away from the victim and the family home.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you understand your rights, prioritize safety, and navigate police, medical, and court processes. In practice, people in Arta seek legal help for many reasons. You may need urgent protective orders or an order removing the abuser from the family home. You may want a lawyer to file or support a criminal complaint, communicate with the police and prosecutor, and represent you during investigations and court hearings. You may need guidance on divorce, separation, child custody and visitation, child support, and division of property. If you are a migrant or do not speak Greek, a lawyer can help you secure interpreter services and ensure you receive protection regardless of immigration status. A lawyer can also advise on documenting injuries and other evidence, applying for state-funded legal aid if you have low income, seeking compensation, and coordinating with shelters and counseling services. Early legal advice can improve safety planning and case outcomes.

Local Laws Overview

Key national laws apply in Arta. Law 3500-2006 on combating domestic violence defines domestic violence broadly and increases penalties when crimes occur within the family. It covers physical, psychological, and sexual violence, including marital rape, and applies to spouses, former spouses, partners who cohabit or have cohabited, and family members. Greek criminal law and the Code of Criminal Procedure allow immediate arrest when an offense is in progress or recently committed, and most domestic violence offenses are prosecuted ex officio, meaning the state proceeds without requiring the victim to pay a complaint fee or maintain a complaint.

Protective measures are available. Courts can issue restraining and no-contact orders, order a person to leave the family home, and impose geographic and communication restrictions. In urgent situations, prosecutors and courts can act quickly with interim measures. Pre-trial restrictions in criminal cases can include stay-away orders and surrender of firearms. Civil courts can grant temporary injunctions to protect victims and children while a case is pending.

Greece has ratified the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention through Law 4531-2018, which strengthens prevention, protection, and prosecution standards and promotes coordinated services. Criminal mediation is not used in domestic violence prosecutions in line with these standards. The labor law framework on violence and harassment at work provides additional protections that may help victims who are employed.

Children are specifically protected. Prosecutors and courts can order urgent child protection measures, limit contact and visitation, and coordinate with social services. Violations of protective orders are criminally punishable. Victims with limited means can request state-funded legal aid under Law 3226-2004 in both civil and criminal proceedings, including for protective orders, divorce, and participation in a criminal case as a civil claimant. Interpreting services are available when reporting and during court proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conduct counts as domestic violence under Greek law

Domestic violence includes physical assaults, threats, insults that cause fear, repeated harassment or stalking, forced sex including marital rape, controlling or isolating behavior, and economic abuse such as controlling access to money. It applies when the victim and perpetrator are spouses, former spouses, partners who live or have lived together, or other family members in the same household.

How can I report domestic violence in Arta

In an emergency call 100 or 112. You can also go to the nearest police station in Arta to file a report. If you prefer, you may report directly to the Public Prosecutor at the Arta Courts. For guidance and referrals, call the SOS 15900 national line, which can help you plan next steps and connect with shelters and counseling services in the Epirus region.

What happens after I file a police report

Police will record your statement, assess risk, and collect initial evidence such as photos of injuries, damaged property, and witness details. They can arrange medical care and inform the prosecutor. If the offense is recent or ongoing, police may make an immediate arrest. The prosecutor decides on charges and may request protective measures. You can also apply to the civil court for a temporary injunction requiring the abuser to stay away.

Can I get a restraining order quickly

Yes. In urgent cases you can request an interim order from the civil court requiring no contact and removal from the family home, often on a fast timetable. In the criminal case, the prosecutor or investigating judge can seek pre-trial conditions such as no contact and stay-away zones. Violations are criminal offenses and should be reported immediately.

Do I have to pay to file a complaint

Most domestic violence offenses are prosecuted ex officio, which means you do not need to pay the usual complaint fee. If you pursue civil claims such as divorce or child custody you may have court costs, but you can apply for state-funded legal aid if you have low income.

Will I have to face the abuser in court

Court procedures aim to reduce harm. You have the right to be informed, to an interpreter if needed, and to request protective measures such as separate waiting areas or remote testimony when available. Your lawyer can ask the court for arrangements that protect your safety and dignity.

What if I am not a Greek citizen or my residence status is uncertain

You have the right to protection and access to police, courts, shelters, and health care regardless of nationality or immigration status. You can request an interpreter when reporting and in court. Speak with a lawyer about any residence or documentation issues that may arise during your case.

How are children protected in these cases

Courts can issue urgent orders to protect children, regulate parental responsibility, suspend or supervise visitation, and require the abusive parent to leave the home. Social services and the prosecutor for minors can intervene quickly if a child is at risk. You can also call the 1056 child helpline for advice or urgent assistance.

What evidence should I collect

Seek immediate medical care and ask for a medical report that documents your injuries. Preserve photos of injuries and damage, messages and emails, and any witness information. Keep a dated incident diary. Recording private conversations without consent can be illegal and may not be admissible, so ask a lawyer before making recordings.

Can the case proceed if I later change my mind

Yes. Many domestic violence offenses are prosecuted by the state even if a victim withdraws cooperation. If you have safety concerns or other reasons for wanting to change course, speak with your lawyer about options and support services. Your safety remains the priority.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Police emergency number 100. Use for immediate danger or to request patrol response and to file a report.

European emergency number 112. Reachable from any phone for police, ambulance, and fire.

SOS 15900 National Helpline for Women. Operated by the General Secretariat for Demography and Family Policy and Gender Equality. Provides 24-7 counseling, safety planning, and referrals to counseling centers and shelters, including those serving the Epirus region.

National Center for Social Solidarity helpline 197. Provides social support and coordinates access to shelters and emergency accommodation.

Child helpline 1056. Operated by The Smile of the Child for child protection emergencies and advice.

Arta General Hospital. Provides emergency medical care and injury documentation. Ask for written medical reports and, if appropriate, a referral to forensic services.

Public Prosecutor at the Courts of Arta. Accepts reports and requests for protective measures in urgent situations.

Bar Association of Arta. Can provide lawyer referrals, including lawyers experienced in domestic violence, family law, and criminal procedure.

Municipality of Arta Social Services. Can assist with social support, benefits, and coordination with shelters and counseling services.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If you are in danger, call 100 or 112. When safe, call 15900 to speak with a trained counselor about safety planning, shelter options, and local support. Seek immediate medical care and request a written report. Save any evidence and keep it in a secure location.

Speak with a local lawyer in Arta as soon as possible. Ask about urgent protective orders, representation in the criminal process, and any civil proceedings such as divorce, custody, or child support. If you have low income, ask your lawyer or the court about state-funded legal aid and how to apply through the Court of First Instance in Arta.

Consider filing for a temporary injunction to secure no-contact and removal from the family home. Inform your child’s school or caregivers about any court orders. Update safety plans regularly, including changing locks where permitted, adjusting routines, and using confidential contact methods.

Keep a folder with key documents, such as your ID, children’s documents, medical records, police reports, copies of court orders, and contact details for your lawyer and support services. Review your plan frequently with your lawyer and a counselor. Laws and procedures can change, and your lawyer can advise you on the most current options in Arta.

This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Each case is different. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a qualified lawyer in Arta.